Faculty/Staff Directory

Ty Taylor

Air Traffic Control Specialist
Air Traffic Management

Locations: (Campus & Office)
Biography: With more than 25 years of experience in leadership, training, and education, I bring a passion for teaching and helping others succeed. As a retired United States Air Force professional and current Air Traffic Control Instructor at Middle Georgia State University, I enjoy connecting real-world experience with classroom learning. I teach FAA-aligned air traffic control curriculum in both classroom and live operational settings, with a focus on practical, hands-on learning. My background in Criminal Justice, combined with my experience in aviation and higher education, has shaped my commitment to student success, innovative instruction, and continuous growth. I especially enjoy mentoring students and helping prepare the next generation of aviation professionals.

My teaching philosophy centers on experiential learning and student engagement. I emphasize real-world application through simulation and live operational training environments, enabling students to develop both technical knowledge and critical decision-making skills. I strive to create a structured yet supportive learning environment that promotes accountability, confidence, and professional readiness.
Teaching and Research Interests: Air traffic control operations, aviation safety, human factors, decision-making, airspace management, and the development of practical skills through simulation-based and scenario-driven training.

Aviation safety and risk management, air traffic controller performance, human factors and workload, technology integration in air traffic management, and the use of simulation and data-driven methods to improve ATC training and operational efficiency.
Courses: ATCM 1200 Introduction to Air Traffic Control
ATCM 2201 Tower Operations
ATCM 4204 and ATCM 4205 Advanced ATC
CV: https://www.mga.edu/directory/me/index.php?submit-edits=true
Professional Experience: Middle Georgia State University — Eastman, GA
Air Traffic Control Instructor / Tower Controller (April 2018 – Present)
- Provide classroom, simulator, and live tower instruction within an FAA Enhanced AT-CTI program
- Teach FAA Order JO 7110.65 procedures, phraseology, and separation standards
- Develop curriculum integrating lecture, simulation, and real-world operations
- Evaluate student performance through practical exams, simulations, and written assessments
- Mentor students and support career placement in air traffic control fields
- Ensure compliance with FAA standards, audits, and training requirements
- Supervise and train student controllers in live air traffic operations
- Coordinate with faculty and industry partners to enhance workforce readiness

United States Air Force — Air Traffic Control Leadership Roles (Oct 1996 – Sept 2016)
- Interim Chief Controller, Chief of Training and Standardization, Watch Supervisor
- Supervised 45+ controllers and over 46,000 operations annually
- Managed certification and training programs for ATC personnel
- Maintained critical operational records and compliance systems
- Led emergency response operations with zero mishaps
- Directed high-tempo air traffic environments including military operations


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